Feature Photo: Randy Miramontez / Shutterstock.com
Eddie Money has always been one of our favorite artists here at ClassicRockHistory.com. I remember buying his first album in the late ’70s and loving his version of “You Really Got a Hold on Me.” That was the first song from his debut album that struck me. Of course, it wasn’t the biggest hit on the album—that honor belongs to “Two Tickets to Paradise” and “Baby Hold On.” As someone who also grew up in New York City, his style, his voice, and his attitude were instantly recognizable. We lost a great one when Eddie Money passed away. This article is a tribute to his biggest rockers.
# 10 – Two Tickets To Paradise – Eddie Money
Why not start out this list with one of his biggest hits? Eddie Money’s “Two Tickets to Paradise” was released on his debut album. It’s the song that broke him big time. The guitar work at the beginning of the song actually made it feel like you were getting on a plane and taking off—the song just had that type of groove. It was brilliantly written and recorded.
The track, co-written by Eddie Money and guitarist Jimmy Lyon, captures the yearning for escape and adventure, a theme that resonated with listeners in the late ’70s. Released in 1977, “Two Tickets to Paradise” became one of Eddie Money’s signature songs, peaking at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s soaring guitar riffs and infectious melody made it a staple on classic rock radio and a fan favorite at live shows.
# 9 – Can’t Keep a Good Man Down – Life For The Taking
Continuing our Eddie Money rocking songs list, we dive into a standout track from his second album, Life for the Taking. This one is dark, gritty, and action-packed, showcasing Eddie Money’s signature blend of rock energy and storytelling. The song was written by Eddie Money, Dan Alexander, and Chris Solberg, with its intensity amplified by the stellar musicianship of the band.
Released in 1978, Life for the Taking was Eddie Money’s follow-up to his hugely successful debut album. While the album didn’t quite reach the same commercial heights as its predecessor, it still performed respectably, peaking at No. 17 on the Billboard 200 and earning a gold certification. “Can’t Keep a Good Man Down” stands out as one of the album’s most hard-hitting tracks, embodying the resilience and determination that Money often conveyed in his music.
The song’s rhythm is anchored by the powerful drumming of Gary Mallaber, who was known for his work with the Steve Miller Band and numerous other artists. Mallaber’s groove sets the foundation for the track, driving its dark and gritty energy. Adding to this intensity is Jimmy Lyon, whose smoking guitar riff elevates the song with a fierce, electrifying edge that underscores the theme of perseverance.
# 8 – Walk On Water – Nothing To Lose
Released in 1988, “Walk on Water” became one of Eddie Money’s standout hits and marked a high point in his late 1980s career. Featured on the album Nothing to Lose, the song was written by Jesse Harms, a former keyboardist for Sammy Hagar, who also played on the track.
“Walk on Water” achieved significant chart success, climbing to number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Money’s final top ten hit. It also performed impressively on the Album Rock Tracks chart, peaking at number two, a testament to its appeal among rock audiences. However, the song’s reception in the UK was modest, where it reached only number 128. Despite this, it has remained a favorite among fans of Eddie Money’s catalog.
# 7 – Heaven In The Back Seat – Right Here
# 6 – Maybe Tomorrow – Where’s The Party
Continuing with this Eddie Money rock songs list, we come to a track that may be an outlier in terms of popularity but not in terms of rock and roll spirit. “Maybe Tomorrow,” the opening track from Eddie Money’s Where’s the Party? album, is a hidden gem that deserves recognition. This song might have flown under the radar for many listeners, much like the album itself. This song sets the tone for an album that blends upbeat energy with the kind of hard-hitting rock Money was known for. Co-written by Eddie Money, Steve Farris, Alan Pasqua, and Gary O’Connor, “Maybe Tomorrow” features driving rhythms and heartfelt lyrics that make it one of the standout tracks on the record.
Released in October 1983, Where’s the Party? marked Money’s fifth studio effort. The album aimed to capture a more positive and celebratory vibe than its predecessor, No Control. Recorded at Record Plant in Los Angeles and The Pasha Music House in Hollywood, the production featured the legendary Tom Dowd alongside Eddie Money himself, ensuring a polished yet energetic sound. The song’s arrangements are enhanced by Alan Pasqua’s shimmering synthesizers and John Nelson’s electric guitar work, which add depth and texture to Money’s impassioned vocals.
# 5 – Shakin – No Control
For the second half of this Eddie Money rocking songs list, we went to all the big hits that were true blue rock and rollers. “Shakin’” is one of Eddie Money’s most rocing tracks, blending his signature rock sound with an infectious groove that captured the energy of the early ’80s rock scene. Featured on his 1982 No Control album, which achieved Platinum certification, the song showcases Money’s ability to deliver high-energy rock with relatable lyrics and a catchy melody. Co-written by Money, Elizabeth Myers, and Ralph Carter, “Shakin’” was released as a single and peaked at number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart while climbing to number nine on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, solidifying its status as a fan favorite.
The music video for “Shakin’” added to its appeal, featuring actress and model Patricia Kotero—better known as Apollonia, who would later gain fame co-starring in the film Purple Rain. The video’s playful and edgy energy complemented the song’s vibe, and Kotero’s performance added an iconic visual element that fans continue to associate with the track.
# 4 – I Wanna Go Back – Can’t Hold Back
“I Wanna Go Back” was released as a single by Eddie Money in 1986, featured on his platinum-certified album Can’t Hold Back. The song, written by Monty Byrom, Danny Chauncey, and Ira Walker, originally appeared on Billy Satellite’s debut album in 1984. Money’s version charted at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, number three on the Album Rock Tracks chart, and number 33 on the Adult Contemporary chart. The track was co-produced by Eddie Money and Richie Zito.
The recording featured Ralph Carter on bass, Gary Ferguson on drums, and Danny Chauncey contributing additional instrumentation, including guitar. The saxophone, which played a prominent role in the song’s intro, bridge, and outro, added a distinct sound to the track. Marilyn Martin provided backing vocals, enhancing the song’s layered harmonies.
The music video for “I Wanna Go Back” included scenes of Money revisiting his high school, interspersed with live performance footage. Marilyn Martin also appeared in the video, representing a past love.
# 3 – Baby Hold One – Eddie Money
“Baby Hold On” is one of Eddie Money’s signature tracks, cementing his place as a classic rock icon. Released in December 1977 as the lead single from his debut album Eddie Money, the song was co-written by Eddie Money and guitarist Jimmy Lyon and produced by Bruce Botnick. Its success propelled the album to Platinum status, setting the stage for Money’s illustrious career.
The track is driven by a catchy guitar riff, courtesy of Jimmy Lyon, which hooks listeners from the opening notes. The song’s upbeat rhythm and infectious melody are enhanced by its memorable chorus, including the lines “Whatever will be, will be / the future is ours to see,” a nod to the classic “Que Sera, Sera.” Money once described his music as a blend of many influences, and this track showcases that with its blend of rock energy and pop sensibility.
“Baby Hold On” achieved significant chart success, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 on the Canadian Top Singles chart. In Australia, it reached number 19 on the Kent Music Report. On the U.S. Cash Box Top 100, it climbed to number 5, further underscoring its widespread appeal. The song also received strong critical acclaim, with Rolling Stone praising its catchiness and simplicity. It remains one of Eddie Money’s most enduring songs, frequently played on classic rock radio.
Over the years, “Baby Hold On” has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, becoming a cultural touchstone. It appeared in movies like Roll Bounce and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, as well as video games like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. Eddie Money performed the song on iconic platforms such as Saturday Night Live in 1978 and American Bandstand in 1980, further solidifying its legacy.
# 2 – Think I’m In Love – No Control
“Think I’m in Love,” released in 1982, was the lead single from Eddie Money’s No Control album. Co-written by Money and Randy Oda, the track was a significant success, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Billboard Top Rock Tracks chart. It also performed well in Canada, climbing to number 11 on the RPM Top Singles chart, and hit number 21 on the U.S. Cash Box Top 100. The music video, inspired by classic vampire films, featured Money in a Dracula-inspired role. It became an early favorite on MTV, helping the single gain additional exposure and cementing Money’s return to prominence during the early ’80s.
“Think I’m in Love” also played a role in revitalizing Money’s career after a brief lull, showcasing his ability to deliver radio-friendly rock tracks that resonated with a broad audience. It remains a highlight of the No Control album and is considered an essential part of Eddie Money’s catalog.
# 1 – Gimme Some Water – Life For The Taking
From Eddie Money’s second studio album, Life for the Taking (1978), “Gimme Some Water” stands as one of his most iconic and raw rock tracks. Written solely by Money, the song tells a vivid outlaw tale, steeped in themes of desperation and regret, with its protagonist pleading for water after committing a crime on the Mexican border. The lyrics paint a cinematic picture, further brought to life by the intense instrumentation and Money’s evocative vocal delivery.
The track features David Lindley on guitars, whose expressive slide work adds a distinctive Southwestern flair, perfectly complementing the song’s narrative. Lonnie Turner’s bass and Gary Mallaber’s steady drumming provide a solid rhythmic foundation, while Tom Scott’s horn arrangements lend depth to the overall production. Produced by Bruce Botnick, Life for the Taking aimed to explore a broader musical palette, and “Gimme Some Water” exemplifies its grit and storytelling prowess. Though it wasn’t released as a single, “Gimme Some Water” became a fan favorite, frequently played in Money’s live sets.
Check out more Eddie Money articles on ClassicRockHistory.com Just click on any of the links below……
Top 10 Eddie Money Cover Songs
Top 10 Eddie Money Songs
Eddie Money Albums Ranked
Read More: Artists’ Interviews Directory At ClassicRockHistory.com
Read More: Classic Rock Bands List And Directory
10 Most Rocking Eddie Money Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
